Sony’s flagship 1000X headphones just hit the 10-year mark, and to celebrate, the brand released a new model of attention grabbing audiophile candy. I’ve long been a fan of the WH-1000XM6, especially for their stellar noise-canceling abilities, which truly drown out the world around me without an annoying suction-like feeling.
But behold, my head has been turned. The latest 1000X THE COLLEXION Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones might be the brand’s coolest-looking option yet. They feature a sleek, almost futuristic design and are available in Black and Platinum shades to start. Price wise, they come in at $649.99, which is definitely on the more expensive side, putting them above the retail value of the AirPods Max 2 and below some Bowers & Wilkins headphones.
Pros:
- Plush premium design with metal accents
- Wider soundstage
- Fashionable carry case
Cons:
- Financial investment
- Lower battery life
Sony’s celebrating a decade of the 1000X headphones with this new pair, which comes with an adorable purse-like case unlike anything the brand has made before. They feature Sony’s new V3 processor for a wider soundstage and spatial audio, making them a great fit for everyday listening and gaming.
Weight: 320 grams Battery Life: 24 hours Driver unit: Bespoke Sony driver
What stands out
That said, the soft vegan leather build and metal accents definitely make them look expensive and feel worth the cost. I own the WH-1000XM6, and the latest version does look like it has a rounder, more plush headband and slightly larger ear cups as well.
What really stands out? The purse-like carrying case, which almost looks like you’re carrying a Sony-themed clutch to your next outing. I always seem to lose my headphone carrying cases, but this is one I’ll want to keep around. They’re just a smidge heavier at 320 grams compared to the WH-1000XM6, but that makes sense given the added metal accents that replace the previous-gen plastic hinges.
Sound and features
As for sound, the 1000X THE COLLEXION headphones are meant to pull ahead, according to the brand. We haven’t gotten our hands on them yet, but a quick look at the features shows that they support the same 10 adjustable EQ settings, adaptive noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity. They pair with the Sony app for a similar level of customization.
That said, the new COLLEXION headphones feature Sony’s new V3 processor and 360 Reality Audio Upmix, which the brand says should deliver spatial sound that makes it a great fit for movies and TV shows in particular. They also feature a new bespoke driver, which Sony says should deliver a wider and deeper soundstage, making this a choice for audiophiles who need heavier bass and clearer vocals.
They also come equipped with DSEE Ultimate, which the brand says upmixes audio better. In layman’s terms, sometimes audio gets compressed over Bluetooth, and these headphones should help prevent that, so you listen to music exactly as the artist intended.
Battery life and noise cancellation
That said, the battery life comes in at 24 hours with active noise cancellation on, which is a bit shorter than the 30-hour battery life on the WH-1000XM6. It might not seem like a big difference, but if you’re an everyday music listener like me, you might notice the battery falls faster.
It’s also worth noting that while the difference in noise cancellation between the WH-1000XM6 and COLLEXION is minimal, the WH-1000XM6 is still considered the leader in active noise cancellation.
Is it worth it?
The age-old question: Should you spend $650 on a pair of headphones?
Here’s my two cents: If you care about premium design and comfort and are OK with springing for the higher cost for a more luxurious, premium-sounding pair of headphones, then yes, it is worth it.
But given that the WH-1000XM6 headphones are still some of the best when it comes to noise cancellation and a great pair for everyday wear — I mean, they do also come with 30 hours of battery life — then you’re fine upgrading to the WH-1000XM6, which, by the way, was also launched in a new Sandstone color.
These Sony headphones have been my daily favorite for the last year or so. They’re comfortable, offer an extended 30-hour battery life, and fast charging features. I wear these every time I fly, and they are the best headphones for travel I’ve ever used.
Weight: 256 grams Battery Life: 40 without ANC, 30 with Driver unit: 30 mm
I will note one thing, though: Sony headphones are very much built to last, so if you do spring for the COLLEXION, know you’re investing in a pair for years to come, not just short term.
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